Q. The reason for the loss of optical activity of lactic acid when – OH group is changed by H is that
A) Chiral centre of the molecule is destroyed
B) Molecules acquires asymmetry
C) Due to change in configuration
D) Structural changes occurs
Explanation
(a)
When – OH group of lactic acid is replaced by H, then chiral carbon is lost.
OH H
| |
$CH_{3} - C - COOH \longrightarrow CH_{3} - C -$COOH
| |
H H
lactic acid
$\therefore$Its optical activity is lost.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.